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Hiking Mt. Kipipiri

Mount Kipipiri is an isolated volcano in the Wanjohi Valley, on the Kinangop Plateau near the Aberdare Range. It is about 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Lake Naivasha, which is visible from the summit. Wildlife includes colubus monkeys, elephants and buffalo, and an abundant bird life. The name of the mountain means “butterfly” in the Gikuyu language. #MagicalKenya

Well, we conquered it and impressed my LuPo ancestors. We reached the peak, which is 3,349m above sea level and 14km from the base, within 6 hours at 3:30pm from 9:00am. It was tough; we cried, we laughed, we sang, we crawled, we swore never to hike again. However, our strong will and determination kept hope alive and we managed to kiss the clouds at the peak. This was epic!

Descending was not easy either. We rolled down with the force of gravity paining our wounded muscles within 2 hours. We touched the base at 5:30pm. Maneuvering downhill stresses your knees and muscles more than when heading uphill or on flat ground. As you descend, your knees absorb the impact of not only your body weight but also the added forces going downhill.

We left Nairobi at 5am and arrived back at 11:30pm. This was a great adventure indeed, on the rough terrain. We were rained on, ran short of breath, we felt cold, tired and fatigued, hungry, angry… but we kept moving on. Wading through the mud and walking on slippery rocks in the wilderness could not kill our spirit. We were unstoppable God’s creatures in the wilderness. We encouraged one another, hiked in groups and waited one another. No one was left behind. We also shared the little we had and made everyone happy. Our team spirit was tested and we emerged victorious!

Did I tell you our van broke down twice on our way back? What I like about hiking is, you never know what will happen next. Each hike will present you with its own unique experience making it fun and memorable.

Our vehicle was wise enough; it broke down the first time right in front of a “5-star village hotel”. We asked if tea was ready. In the first hotel “Outspan International Hotel” where our vehicle was parked, waiting for us, the tea was finished and the person who went milking took so long to deliver, so we decided to leave. In the second hotel, hot steamy tea was ready and available in plenty. It was served from a metallic kettle and in metallic cups with big fleshy “mandazi” (KDF)” as an “escort”. That tea was so sweet, it brought some warmth, life and smiles on our faces.

This experience brought some cherished village memories about my West Pokot home where half of my ancestors originated. In that cold highland village of mine, tea is life and life is tea. When did you last take tea in a local hotel in a metallic cup? The cup burns your lip before you sipping tea.

Menu was faintly written on the wall next to a small television box that kept us entertained. Women who served us were so happy and asked us come back again. They made exceptionally good sales that evening. The bill was so unbelievably low, we paid extra. Next time you visit your village, promote them, show some love and share happiness.

Is this not part of the great lifetime adventure waiting for you? What else are you looking for? Life is not a straight line! Perfect life is extremely boring. Therefore, dear Mt. Rumeria, we do not know what you have in store for us on 23 June. Just know that we are ready for you. Hugs and kisses…

Our gratitude goes to our one and only one, Shiwan Adventures for making this journey marvelous! We salute you!

This is part of our journey to conquer Mt. Kenya come August! This goal must be achieved. I signed a pact with LuPo my ancestors and I cannot afford to go against my promise lest I fail to find my umbilical code.

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